January 08, 2010

Recession motivates record number to have lawyers seal or expunge their criminal records

In order to keep the costly blemish of a criminal history out of the sight of potential employers, a record number of Floridians have had their criminal records sealed or expunged. The rush to hide police and court records seems to have taken root with the beginning of the current recession. In 2008, over 14,000 Floridians were successful in sealing or expunging their criminal records. This number represents a two-fold increase from 2007, demonstrating the growing awareness that a criminal history can be a huge impediment to new employment opportunities.

Hiding past mistakes from future employers

In today’s economic climate, employers have the privilege of choosing from scores of qualified applicants when hiring new personnel. With a record statewide unemployment rate of 11.5%, Florida is home to many job seekers who are eager to set themselves apart from the crowd. However, those with a criminal record face an undesirable distinction that can prevent them from finding work in such a competitive marketplace. In our prior blog article, “Seal or Expunge Your Pinellas County Criminal Record & Land that New Job,” we explained how easy it is for employers to glean the criminal histories of job applicants from convenient public electronic databases that provide access to court records. In another blog article, “The Sealing & Expungement of Pinellas County Criminal Records,” we described how Florida Statute sections 943.0585 and 943.059 determine your eligibility for a sealing or expunction, and the enormous benefits that come from these remedies referenced in Rule 3.692 Florida Rules of Criminal Procedure.

Learn more on the subject of sealing and expunging your Pinellas county criminal records by watching our video.

5. The criminal defense attorney is ultimately required to prepare in proper form a court order that directs all agencies having information about the criminal case to either seal or expunge their records;

6. Your attorney can thereafter direct the Pinellas County Clerk of Court to forward certified copies of the judge’s order to all appropriate governmental and law enforcement agencies.

Our law office has significant experience in sealing and expunging Pinellas County criminal records. If you have been previously arrested or charged with a criminal offense arising out of Clearwater / St. Petersburg, or other area within Pinellas county we can help.

Contact our office at (727) 578-0303

We can often determine your eligibility to have your record sealed or expunged right over the phone.